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[racjen]

5 weeks into fluoxetine and I feel absolutely dreadful - it took 2 weeks for the increased anxiety to abate, and since then normal anxiety levels have resumed and I feel more and more depressed every day. In fact I think I've spent most of the last 3 days in bed. I'm in despair, there simply is no anti-depressant that works for me, I can't carry on like this...

[racjen]

Thankyou lovely Birdy, I appreciate the care in your reply. I just feel completely stumped as to what to do next, apart from stay here in bed knitting and listening to the radio for the rest of my life 

[pants46]

Racjen, I don't want to be flippant ... but days spent in bed, knitting and listening to the radio sounds lovely. I bought some colouring books and a set of pens, for days when I can't get out of bed 
So I think the general guidance is that the side effects of ADs last 2-3 weeks, but the benefits may not be felt for 6 weeks minimum. Do try to keep going a little longer. Having got through the worst few weeks, you've got nothing to lose now.
That being said, I gave up the citalopram after 12 weeks. Took 2 weeks to wean myself off. Am day 3 without them. I'm glad I've stopped.  It's actually a relief.
I'm sad that I don't have any answers for you. But could you knit me some bed socks, please 

[dangermouse]

Do you feel in fear, overwhelmed, panic feelings OR is it numbness, what's the point, can't be bothered with life feelings?

[Woodlands]

Hi there Rajcen
I took Fluroxitine as a first point AD and two doses in i almost ended everything found myself on the riverbank..... BUT i was ok and switched to citralpam..... I'm 6 years on it and lucky it suits me.
In these years i have totally given up tea and coffee infact anything caffeinated, limited alcohol intake amd had counselling.... You may know my eldest took his life just under 5 years ago and my youngest DD uses substances.
My point you can't change the past or indeed predict the future - I live very much in the present and the day I'm currently living, it can be achieved with changing thought processes and mindfulness thinking has been my saviour.
Big hugs you can do this with help
Woodlands xx

[racjen]

Do you feel in fear, overwhelmed, panic feelings OR is it numbness, what's the point, can't be bothered with life feelings?

It's both - I feel scared and totally overwhelmed by the world, especially in the morning, but whereas before, I could find enough motivation to get up and distract myself, now I  just feel what's the point, I really don't want to be here but there seems to be no way out.

[racjen]

Racjen, I don't want to be flippant ... but days spent in bed, knitting and listening to the radio sounds lovely. I bought some colouring books and a set of pens, for days when I can't get out of bed 
So I think the general guidance is that the side effects of ADs last 2-3 weeks, but the benefits may not be felt for 6 weeks minimum. Do try to keep going a little longer. Having got through the worst few weeks, you've got nothing to lose now.
That being said, I gave up the citalopram after 12 weeks. Took 2 weeks to wean myself off. Am day 3 without them. I'm glad I've stopped.  It's actually a relief.
I'm sad that I don't have any answers for you. But could you knit me some bed socks, please 

The problem is that the worse side effects (increased anxiety and insomnia) subsided after about 2 weeks, but I've now been on it for over 5 weeks and I'm not seeing any improvement at all, just rapidly increasing depression. I know the odd day spent in bed can feel like a relief, but I've pretty much been in bed all this week, feel hopeless about ever finding any solution. I don't want to live like this - at the moment a simple 15 walk down to the shops is a major ordeal - I want to be able to take part in the world.

[racjen]

right, I identify with so much of how you feel, so i'm going to work on fixing my adrenals. Will you join me? If nothing else, it could help the anxiety? Waking up early, feeling overwhelmed and anxious is one of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. I have had a year of it now. My brain fog is now so bad I am literally anxious to do anything in case I mess up and have a meltdown.

https://adrenalfatiguesolution.com/adrenal-fatigue-symptoms/

Sorry Birdy, managed to post at exactly the same time as you. I'll have a look at that link. Sounds like a good idea to do it together, Thanks xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[racjen]

Racjen, I don't want to be flippant ... but days spent in bed, knitting and listening to the radio sounds lovely. I bought some colouring books and a set of pens, for days when I can't get out of bed 
So I think the general guidance is that the side effects of ADs last 2-3 weeks, but the benefits may not be felt for 6 weeks minimum. Do try to keep going a little longer. Having got through the worst few weeks, you've got nothing to lose now.
That being said, I gave up the citalopram after 12 weeks. Took 2 weeks to wean myself off. Am day 3 without them. I'm glad I've stopped.  It's actually a relief.
I'm sad that I don't have any answers for you. But could you knit me some bed socks, please 

And by the way pants46, I'd be delighted to knit you some bedsocks - what colour would you like?

[Foxylady]

Thanks Birdy the article and video are both really interesting. I have an appointment with a menopause specialist gynae coming up going to see his thoughts on when I should start coming off Fluoxetine (been on it about 14 weeks now, def feel an improvement, started HRT later the same week so I'm guessing a combination of both making the difference. Still not consistent and especially in relation to sleep but mood better.

[CLKD]

Foxylady - why fix if it ain't broken?  If you are getting relief with a combo., why alter anything, why not get on ............. 14 weeks ain't long at all. 

[Foxylady]

CLKD, a side effect I'm not sure how long I can put up with is the only reason I'm debating coming off Fluoxetine. Looking at alternative AD but looks like same side effect likely and possibly more so reluctant to change as otherwise it's good for me!

[CLKD]

Side effects can be the pits  - I find escitalopram suits me fine at the moment.

[Jules53]

Racjen

I am in exactly the same place as you with Fluoxetine and am coming off it. I am down to 5mg and the doctor told me to stop yesterday  I didn't take the dose yesterday. Felt panicky in the morning but better as the day went on. However, when I woke up this morning my mind wouldn't stop racing so I thought I would take 5mg again. Big mistake as I have felt dreadful all day - on edge but down at the same time. My chest is aching where I am holding myself so tense. I think I am making myself feel worse. I have stopped HRT so my body feels like it's been hit by a bus! Anyway, I just wanted to say you're not alone and I'm sending you a hug and really hope you feel better soon  xx

[CLKD]

When I withdrew it took 36 hours for each effect to ease.  It didn't get any worse each time so I was able to ride it out. Can't remember which AD that was but it took 9 weeks.  Once I realised that it didn't get any worse, that it was bounce back anxiety I managed to cope.

5mg is a low maintenance dose.  Maybe take it at different times i.e. morning 1 day, mid-day the next, evening the next to enlarge the distance between each dose?